Description

The SB2C-4 Helldiver is a rank III American dive bomber
with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB/RB) and 3.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.53 "Firestorm".

The SB2C-4 is an upgrade from the earlier SB2C-1c dive bomber at Rank II, having a more powerful engine and the ability to mount more payloads, including HVAR rockets. However, this version faces tougher and more deadly aircraft due to a higher Battle Rating.

Defensive armament

Usage in battles

The SB2C-4 is, like it's earlier model in game, is a dive bomber/attacker, capable of wrecking havoc to both soft and hard ground targets and enemy bases. Despite it's capability to carry rockets and under-wing bombs and be used as an attacker, do not attempt to do so, unless you are sure a nearby fighter does not immediately single you out as a target - you have fairly good maneuverability, but you cannot become a fighter and try scoring a kill - in any case, you will be the kill. However, this does not mean you cannot defend yourself in dire times. A distinct advantage of this aircraft is it's firepower - more than enough to bring down any pilot with some skill - however, it's instability in coming out of rough turns can cause problems on getting guns on target difficult. Moreover, due to it's firepower and airspawn, being a bomber hunter is no problem either - but don't use it as this plane's main niche - you will be vulnerable to enemy gunners. This plane's niche as fast bomber is further reinforced compared to the SB2C-1c - it carries double the bomb load (2000 lb/ 907 kg) - you will survive long enough with your firepower to defend yourself and can be a considerable drain to the enemy's ticket counter. Overall, this aircraft is a solid performer in Arcade battles - a delightful blend of defensive/offensive firepower, speed (not fighter-like though), maneuverability, and bombing capability for a dive bomber. A recommended aircraft to take out in tier 3 battles and as a silver lions factory!
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In RB, the SB2C-4 excels at the ground attack role. Use the bombs and rockets against hard targets (such as heavy pillboxes and tanks), and the 20 mm cannons for taking out soft targets and light pillboxes. Even the universal ammo belt with 50/50 HEF and AP can take out light pillboxes when aiming for the roof, but belts with more AP will make it easier. However, its use doesn't end there. The SB2C is surprisingly maneuverable for a dive bomber, which combined with its high bomber spawn, effective armament, and dive brakes, means it can be used to dive on enemy fighters and bombers, and can even hold its own in a dogfight, especially if the enemy underestimates the plane's maneuverability. These characteristics are also good tactics for defending yourself, markedly since the tail gunner is lackluster. Unfortunately, this does not apply well when at a low energy state (ex: ground attacking at low level). The SB2C has poor climb rate and acceleration, and experienced pilots will boom and zoom you and leave you few options to defend yourself (trying to get guns on target after an overshoot, forcing a head on, etc). Instead, try to stay above the battle and go for enemy aircraft, and once your team has a numerical advantage, go to ground level and ground attack, preferably under cover of fighters.

If you come across a SB2C-4, attack from its unprotected bottom which is easy to hit due to planes low speed and pilots rarely looking below their planes. Avoid attacking it when it is in a dive.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements

Mixer

Pitch

Radiator

Supercharger

Turbocharger

Oil

Water

Type

Controllable

Not controllable

Not controllable

Not controllable

Separate

Not controllable

Not controllable

Modules

Tier

Flight performance

Survivability

Weaponry

I

Fuselage Repair

Radiator

ITC mk.3

DGP 1

Offensive 12 mm

II

Compressor

Airframe

Improved Torpedo

Turret 7 mm

New 12 mm MGs

III

Wings Repair

Engine

SBC mk.1

New 7 mm MGs (turret)

Offensive 20 mm

IV

Engine Injection

Cover

MBC mk.I

FRC mk.2

New 20 mm Cannons

Pros and cons

Pros:

Very effective cannon armament

Very agile for a dive bomber

Good ground attack payload options

Has air brakes

Cons

No belly gunner

Catches fire relatively easily

Poor climb rate

Fairly slow

Tail gun is ineffective at long range

Any asymmetrical wing damage makes it very difficult to turn

Extreme negatively static longitudinal stability for joystick at low speeds (e.g. the aircraft doesn't want to take off, but a slight bump makes the aircraft want to stall and harsh nose-down is required)

20 mm shells can almost instantly down your plane

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === Encyclopedia Info ===, also if applicable).

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example: